Events
Discussion: Representing women of foreign descent on Swiss screens
29 January 2025 11h00 – 14h00, Genossenschaft Kreuz Solothurn, Kreuzgasse 4, 4500 Solothurn
In this discussion divided in two parts (one in German and the second in French), we will examine today’s representations of women of foreign origin on Swiss screens and try to debunk the cliches usually associated with them, while elaborating new perspectives for the future. The audience is invited to speak at any time.
The event will take place on January 29, 2025, from 11:00 to 14:00 in Kreuz Solothurn, within the framework of the 60th anniversary edition of the Solothurn Film Festival.
Admission is free, but due to limited space, we recommend you to book a seat in advance.
Detailed programme:
Part one: New narratives, old stereotypes?
11:00 – 12:15
Spoken in German.
There is obviously much more diversity in writing, casting choices and directing in Swiss fiction. But despite notable efforts to promote women of foreign origin, insidious stereotypes remain. In this part of the discussion, we will try to identify the characters archetypes and tropes used today to depict cultural and ethnic minorities and debate on their implications.
Moderator: SWAN’s executive committee member Cadenza Zhao
Guests: Actress Pema Shitsetsang, film critic, curator and Cinébulletin‘s coeditor-in-chief Teresa Vena.
Networking break
12:15 – 12:45
Coffee, tea, juices and cider as well as cakes, sandwiches, dips and hot soup will be served on location. Let’s relax, mingle and network!
Part two: Stories still untold
12:45 – 14:00
Spoken in French.
Recent inspiring documentaries, series and fiction movies have brought to the screen the stories of immigrant or racialized women which have been silenced for decades. Nevertheless, these works often result from the initiative of individual filmmakers and are not representative of the current production tendencies in the country. Most films remain superficial and fail to address realistically the circumstances and sometimes sexist and racist experiences that minorities are faced with on the Swiss soil. In this second part, we will attempt to name the causes of this discrepancy and suggest ways to change the situation.
Moderator: SWAN’s executive committee member Delphine Luchetta
Guests: Actress Safi Martin Yé, director Kantarama Gahigiri, film critic, curator and Cinébulletin‘s coeditor-in-chief Teresa Vena.
Still from "Kraftprobe", episode 3 of season 2 of TV serie "Neumatt", with Pema Shitsitsang (in the center) © SRF Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen 
Still from "Tabula Rasa", episode 1 of season 3 of TV serie "Tschugger", with Safi Martin Yé (on the right) © SRF Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen, Shining Film, Sky Switzerland Partners
This event is an initiative of SWAN and was made possible with the support of Cinébulletin, Solothurn Film Festival and Genossenschaft Kreuz Solothurn.
SWAN – Swiss Women’s Audiovisual Network would also like to thank Kaspar Rechsteiner, Teresa Vena, Kantarama Gahigiri and Emilien Gür for their precious advice and help.
